Arts + Sciences
AACSB and EQUIS ✓
Unique Experiences
Live in one of the best cosmopolitan cities in the world
enjoying everything a big city has to offer and learn about the Australian way of life
Immerse yourself in nature
choosing from endless options of beaches, national parks and natural attractions
Explore our art and culture
getting involved in Sydney's bustling art scene with live music, markets, food, art and much more
100+
Beaches and national parks to choose from
80%
of our plants and animals are unique to our Island(s) and are found nowhere else in the world
5 M
Population of Sydney
Your Destination
Australia is the sixth biggest country in the world and Sydney is its business hub and the country's launching point for exchanging goods, services, and ideas with its Asian neighbors. Sydney is one of the Southern Hemisphere's leading centers for startups, trade, finance, tech, and media production. With a population of around five million, Sydney is a cosmopolitan city consistently ranked as one of the best cities to live in globally because of its social inclusion, diversity, tolerance, and healthy lifestyle.
Sydney is an incredibly diverse city, and home to people from all over the world. Nearly half of its residents speak a language other than English at home and 36% were born overseas. The first inhabitants, the Aboriginals, are the world's oldest civilization, and this heritage has helped shape modern Australia. This one-of-a-kind mix of people and cultures led to a shared spirit and attitude that is the Australian way of life. Aussies are known for laid-back "no-worries" attitudes, being open-hearted and open-minded, and believing that everyone should have equal rights and opportunities, what they call locally as having a "fair go".
Sydney is blessed with some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world; more than 80% of Australia's plants and animals are unique to our Islands and are found nowhere else in the world. There is also a bubbling art scene, the city government supports young and fun artistic pursuits, including Sydney's Art and About, Vivid Sydney, Sydney Movie Festival, regular food, art, crafts, and music events, and the list goes on!
The CIEE Sydney Center is strategically located in the heart of Sydney's Downtown (CBD) and minutes away from Central Station, with local, intercity, and interstate transport at your doorstep.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Sydney.
Excursions & Activities
We will offer a variety of activities and day trips to allow you to immerse yourself in Australia's culture and historical heritage.
- Hike the spectacular Blue Mountains with experienced and informed guides ready to share the environmental and cultural history of the spectacular landscape.
- Learn about the world's oldest civilization during one of our Aboriginal cultural tours.
- Enjoy a day at the famous Manly beach and join a guided historical Q-station (Quarantine Station) tour in Sydney Harbour National Park and learn about the first Australian visitors' quarantine history and experience.
- Visit Australia's capital - Canberra. Learn about Australia's parliamentary government while seeing world-class attractions and amazing architecture.
- Go on a hike at one of Sydney's National Parks - Previous visits included: Wolli Creek Park, La Perouse Park, and Sydney Harbour National Park.
- Visit one of our many museums. Previous visits included: Australian Museum, Art Gallery of NSW, and Contemporary Art Museum.
- Learn about Sydney's beach lifestyle while enjoying an Aussie BBQ (Barbie). Previous visits included: Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach, and Shelly Beach.
- Meet our local animals, including kangaroos and koalas, during one of our zoo visits. Previous visits included: Taronga Zoo, Wild Life Sydney Zoo, and Sydney Zoo.
Academic Projects
Students interested in one of the following Academic Projects must submit additional materials as part of their course selection:
- Internships: Internships are available as part of the study program in various startups, businesses and NGOs in private and public organizations.
- Research: Pursue a research project of your own design incorporating independent and local fieldwork.
- Service-Learning: Combine course-based learning with practical, relevant project experience to meet a community-defined need.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our volunteer opportunities are divided into two areas: Social Impact and Environmental Impact.
- Social Impact - You can join the team at BREED Australia. This local non-for-profit organization supports young people in the underprivileged communities in Sydney to build their emotional intelligence and resilience, helping them break the barriers of generational poverty. At BREED, you can also choose to work with their incubator program for local businesses, helping the local community grow and thrive by empowering entrepreneurs to succeed.
- Environmental Impact - The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment offers various volunteer opportunities based on your area of interest. We can help you select and apply for the one that best suits your passion and purpose. To see a full list of options, click here.
Program Blogs
Sydney vs. Melbourne Study Abroad: Which is Better for You?
You’ve decided to study abroad in Australia. Exciting! This incredible country is the perfect place to take your studies. With its rich biodiversity, fascinating history, 200,000+ diverse species, and unique... keep reading
Why Study Abroad in Sydney: Top 5 Reasons
As one of Australia’s largest cities, Sydney is an incredible destination and a perfect place for a study abroad adventure! From its iconic cityscape and stunning architecture to its brilliant... keep reading
The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Australia
Known as the Land Down Under, studying abroad in Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the country’s stunning coastline and its indigenous history to its modern, multicultural vibe, Australia has... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
Students will live in shared apartments nestled in a serene and green residential suburb. Located close to CIEE Sydney, downtown, and stunning beaches, our housing ensures students are always well-connected to the best of the city. Set in a safe and welcoming neighborhood, students will enjoy a peaceful and secure living environment. Everything they need is within walking distance from their home, including various restaurants, supermarkets, a pharmacy, and easily accessible public transport options.
Standard Housing: Includes twin rooms (select single rooms) inside apartments that feature a fully equipped kitchen, shared living rooms and bathrooms, and coin-operated shared laundry facilities onsite. A dedicated cleaning team visits weekly to clean all common areas. Students must bring their own single bed sheets and towels, pillows and duvets are provided. All apartments are located within a 40-minute commute to CIEE via public transportation.
Select Housing: Includes a limited number of single rooms in the shared apartments within a 40-minute commute of CIEE. The single rooms will mostly be in the same apartments as the twin rooms. The apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, shared living rooms and bathrooms, and coin-operated shared laundry facilities onsite. A dedicated cleaning team visits weekly to clean all common areas. Students must bring their own single bed sheets and towels; pillows and duvets are provided. All apartments are within a 40-minute commute to CIEE via public transportation.
Meals
You will have shared kitchen facilities to prepare meals or purchase food and drinks at local grocers. Sydney has a vibrant food scene with fresh local fruits, vegetables, and meats readily available. You’ll find Australian food is influenced from all corners of the globe, whether it’s a walk down Spice Alley, fish and chips on the beach, or a traditional Australian pub food there is something for everyone’s tastes.
Academics
The University of New South Wales (UNSW), established in 1949, is one of Australia’s leading research and teaching universities. Its main campus is located in the Kensington suburb of Sydney, which places it between world famous beaches and the multicultural bustling international city center. The university is comprised of nine faculties through which it offers bachelor, masters, and doctoral degrees across a diverse range of study fields. UNSW prides itself on combining world leading academics with modern facilities, quality education standards and a diverse community.
CIEE students enroll in UNSW undergraduate courses offered during its tailored term: one course over the first four weeks, followed by three courses over the next 13 weeks. Students also have the opportunity to add the CIEE Intercultural Communication and Leadership elective course.
CIEE Sydney is located in the suburb of Ultimo, right in the heart of the Sydney Central Business District and minutes away from cafes and shops in the iconic Darling Harbour.
Course Information
The UNSW Tailored Term is designed as follows: students take one intensive university course over the first four weeks, followed by three university courses over the next 13 weeks. Students also have the option to take the CIEE Intercultural Communication and Leadership elective course during this time, but it cannot substitute a UNSW course.
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Students can apply to all academic fields at UNSW Sydney excluding the AGSM Masters of Business Administration, the UNSW Canberra courses, and certain courses in the Faculty of Medicine as advised by UNSW Sydney.
The UNSW options available to CIEE students are across the following fields:
- Art and Design
- Arts and Social Sciences
- Built Environment
- Business
- Engineering
- Law
- Medicine*
Explore the full list of courses in the UNSW Handbook online. You can browse the suggested academic pathways to assist your selection.
*study abroad students cannot enroll in clinical medicine courses
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall 2024 17 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $20,850 |
| Program Spring 2025 19 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2024 18 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $20,850 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $14,856**
Housing = $5,500
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $20,850Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Meals not included in program fee = $1,688†
International Airfare = $1,700††
Local Transportation = $800
Books & Supplies = $10
Visa Fees = $525
Personal expenses = $285†††
Other = $261††††
Total Costs = $5,269Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:
Select Housing Fee = $750^
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
*non-refundable
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
††††OSHC - Extra Health Insurance for Student Visa
^based on availability
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $14,856**
Housing = $5,500
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $20,850Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Meals not included in program fee = $1,875†
International Airfare = $1,700††
Local Transportation = $800
Books & Supplies = $10
Visa Fees = $525
Personal expenses = $330†††
Total Costs = $5,240Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
*non-refundable
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Thais Oso
Center Director
Thais has over 18 years of education industry experience which include running an American study abroad program in Sydney and working in the exchange programs at one of Australia’s top universities.
Dr. Lesley Turnbull
Academic Director
Dr. Turnbull is the Academic Director of CIEE Sydney and is responsible for all aspects of academics.
Get Started
1
Start an Application
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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